Practical writing tips for young authors

Character Interview: Keslie Bardell

Those of you who’ve been on the blog since last August (and maybe those of you who haven’t) have probably read Sea Glass & Pressed Flowers, which was my third short story on the blog. It’s not my most fabulous work, but I really enjoyed writing it. I’ve interviewed the secondary character Livi Brooklyn, but I have yet to interview any of the other characters, including the main character Keslie Bardell. Keslie is sweet, loves the ocean, loves music, is a great artist and a dancer, and loves coffee shops (specifically the one she works at) and warm cozy things. Enjoy her interview. :)

Keslie: *comes in and sits across from the interviewer*

Interviewer: Hello. *smiles* How are you today?

Keslie: I’m doing well. How are you? *smiles*

Interviewer: I’m doing well. Shall we get started?

Keslie: *nods*

Interviewer: What’s your name?

Keslie: Keslie Lynn Bardell.

Interviewer: How old are you?

Keslie: I’m sixteen.

Interviewer: Do you have any siblings?

Keslie: No. But I have my best friend Livi, and she’s basically my sister. *laughs*

Interviewer: Do you have a job?

Keslie: I play piano at the Piano Shoppe cafe.

Interviewer: Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Keslie: Introvert. But I have great friends that I love hanging out with.

Interviewer: What’s your favorite food?

Keslie: Mm… Can I pick a favorite drink instead?

Interviewer: Sure. *smiles*

Keslie: Rose tea with cream and sugar.

Interviewer: I can’t say I’ve tried that.

Keslie: It’s delicious. You should definitely try it sometime.

Interviewer: I’ll definitely do that. *glances at questionnaire* Do you have a favorite color?

Keslie: Blue.

Interviewer: Do you prefer movies or books?

Keslie: Books.

Interviewer: What’s your favorite?

Keslie: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Interviewer: That’s a good one. Do you have a favorite animal?

Keslie: I love both dogs and cats.

Interviewer: Do you have a favorite dog breed?

Keslie: Sheepdogs. They’re so soft.

Interviewer: What are your hobbies?

Keslie: Reading, playing piano, drawing, writing music, and hanging out with Livi and Dominic.

Interviewer: You write music? Just for piano or for other instruments as well?

Keslie: I mostly write piano pieces, but I’ve written a few with lyrics.

Interviewer: Do you have a favorite piece?

Keslie: Of my own? *pauses a moment* Probably Sunrise. I wrote it one morning when my dad and I were hanging out on the beach. The sunrise was gorgeous that day, and I remember struggling to convey it through the music. It really paid off, though, and I love the final piece. *smiles*

Interviewer: That’s really cool. Do you watch the sunrise often?

Keslie: *shrugs* It depends. I tend to have stretches where I’ll regularly get up early and watch and other stretches when I sleep in way to late. *chuckles*

Interviewer: I don’t get up that early unless I’m forced. *laughs* Um… *looks at question sheet* We’re coming to the end here. Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?

Keslie: Kindness.

Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?

Keslie: Selflessness.

Interviewer: Is there something you can’t leave the house without?

Keslie: Generally some sheet music, my phone, generally a set of headphones, and I always wear the bracelets Livi and I made at the beach shortly after we met.

Interviewer: That was the last question. Thank you for your time. *smiles*